* Develop a financial plan:
o Develop a program budget;
o Determine the amount of funding needed to start and sustain the program;

* Implement the program:
o Recruit program participants, such as, mentors, mentees and other volunteers;
o Screen potential mentors and mentees;
o Orient and train mentors, mentees;
o Match mentors and mentees;
o Bring mentors and mentees together for mentoring sessions that fall within program parameters;
o Provide ongoing support, supervision and monitoring of mentoring relationships;
o Recognize the contribution of all program participants; and
o Help mentors and mentees reach closure.

* Plan how to evaluate the program:
o Decide on the evaluation design;
o Determine what data will be collected, how it will be collected and the sources of data;
o Determine the effectiveness of the program process;
o Determine the outcomes for mentors and mentees; and
o Reflect on and disseminate findings.

Design a system to monitor the program:

* Review policies, procedures and operations on a regular basis;
* Collect program information from mentors, mentees and other participants; and
* Continually assess customer service.

* Orient and train mentors, mentees and parents/caregivers;
o Provide an overview of the program;
o Clarify roles, responsibilities and expectations; and
o Discuss how to handle a variety of situations.

* Provide ongoing support, supervision and monitoring of mentoring relationships:
o Offer continuing training opportunities for program participants;
o Communicate regularly with participants and offer support;
o Help mentors and mentees define next steps for achieving mentee goals;
o Bring mentors together to share ideas and support;
o Establish a process to manage grievances, resolve issues and offer positive feedback;
o Assist mentors and mentees whose relationship is not working out; and
o Assure that appropriate documentation is done on a regular basis.

Recognize the contribution of all program participants:

* Sponsor recognition events; and
* Make the community aware of the contributions made by mentors, mentees, supporters and funders.
* Actively solicit feedback from mentors and mentees regarding their experiences; and
* Use information to refine program and retain mentors.

* Create a process to reflect on and disseminate evaluation findings:
o Refine the program design and operations based on the findings; and
o Develop and deliver reports to program constituents, funders and the media (at minimum yearly; optimally, each quarter).